TEST MATERIAL 333
bottle, and the chase, He was shrewd and practical, and gained a
great reputation.for his financial ability. He had a gift, too, for
managing men. He was not interested in improving the laws: "I am
no reformer/' he said. But it is to his credit that he kept his country
at peace for many years
(4) This sailor was slight in build with a prominent nose and fine
eyes. As a boy |ie was delicate but with an eager spirit and a great
power of self-control. As a young naval officer he was more than
once guilty of disobedience when he saw a better course to follow
than the one he had been ordered to take. He was gallant in action;
he made light of sickness and injuries; he was generous to his officers
and beloved by his men. He was fond of display, and this weakness
probably cost him his life.
(5) This king was welcomed with wild rejoicing at his accession.
He had excellent abilities—great wit, charming manners, and perfect
tact. But he proved to be a selfish, pleasure-loving king; moreover,
his word could not be relied on. But he encouraged art and science
and music. Like his father, he died calmly, even apologizing to those
about him for taking so long to pass away.
(6) This queen was a quiet and inoffensive woman of rather
commonplace ability. One thing said of her is that she was over-fond
of the pleasures of the table. But she was a tender mother and an
indulgent mistress. She was deeply religious. The business of the
State, however, troubled and excited her, and she was glad to allow
her favourites and her Ministers to manage the country's affairs.
(7) This red-headed general was weak and sickly as a boy, When
he grew up he was always extremely shy and anything but good-
looking. He had, however, a firm character. He determined early
in life to become a soldier, and he fought in Flanders at the age of
fifteen. He was at the same time modest and fond of reading, He is
said to have declared that he would rather have written a certain
famous poem than take the city against which he was about to lead
an attack.
(8) This queen was noted for her beauty, her gaiety, and her
courage. Her foreign upbringing and her religion made it difficult
for her to understand her people. Hers was a pleasure-loving nature
with strong passions which she never learned to control. Her reign
at one time promised well, but it ended in disaster. She herself died
by the axe of the headsman.
(9) This king had the making of a good man in him, but he was
cruel, selfish, and faithless. He was probably our worst king. It has
been said that he was a crafty man without sagacity, a suspicious man
without insight, a learned man without wisdom, a rash man without
courage, wan obstinate man without firmness, and an evil man without
shame.
(10) This great judge and lawyer was a king's adviser for many
years. But he disliked court life, preferring to be at home among his
wife and children and friends. He was a man of gentle, endearing,
and happy temper. Condemned to death for refusing to obey the
king and do what he thought to be wrong, he met His death bravely,